I could use some help... I am working on pulling my right axle shaft on a W116. I have followed the directions in my Hynes manual and factory manual, along with a forum search to educate myself. It's amazing how less than a paragraph in a manual can take 3 days!
I am at the point of the disassembly where you knock the rear axle shaft out of the wheel flange using a brass drift. I have even tried a little heat wrench. At this point, I believe that it may be rusted in place.
To give a little background; last week the boot split, fortunately in my driveway. This weekend I decided to replace it myself.

I have followed all of the instructions exactly and still it will not disengage.

There is an assembly tool (MB#116589246100) listed in the factory service manual that is no longer available even through the dealership. (thus saving me wanting a high $$$ tool.) This tool is essentially a press which mounts to the wheel bolt flange, and you press out the axle. Unless someone knows a trick to freeing these I may attempt to fabricate this tool.
Any advice would be much appreciated.